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Thursday, February 25, 2010

Drafting a Peter Pan Collar, Part One!

Hey, friends! As promised, here is part one of my video tutorial on making a Peter Pan collar for a blouse, like the one I wore here. (The blouse pattern I'm using is Colette Patterns Sencha.) In this first installment, I give a little introduction on the process (including what tools you'll need) and then show you how to prep your pattern pieces. I hope you enjoy it!The updated edition of the book I mentioned is Make Your Own Dress Patterns by Adele P. Margolis. I have an earlier edition of this book, and I can't recommend it highly enough!

I have a question about the Sencha blouse, though. I have seen so many cute versions of it that I'm tempted to try it, but I can't quite get past the back buttons. It just seems horribly awkward to me to have to fasten buttons behind me. Maybe I'm missing something, or I'm unusually stiff. How easy is it to get in and out of a back-buttoning blouse like the Sencha?

Michelle, it's easy! Only unbutton the top and bottom buttons - leave the middle buttons buttoned all the time. Then you can easily slip it over your head and you just have to do the top and bottom buttons.

Cool! My first Sencha is almost done, the keyhole version, so the next one will be done this way! :D

I think you should do a post about your sewing library and which books you truly find the most useful...I have the RD Complete Guide to Sewing but aside from that, I wouldn't have a CLUE what to get for modern books. I know you mention them now and then, but a concise post would be wicked!!

Hi Gertie, thanks for this tutorial - just what I was looking for. By the way, I'm sure you've had zillions of them but a compliment is always nice - I've awarded you a Kreativ Blogger award (see http://tillyandthebuttons.blogspot.com/)

I second the request for more information of your sewing library, Gertie. It's so helpful to be able to get one's paws on the right books! I'm actually on an information-collecting mission currently for sewing and costume books relating to the 19th century. Historical clothing is something I do, along with vintage-inspired for everyday. There's MORE information about vintage sewing (so many surviving, and relatively understandable, books and resources), but that almost makes it harder to tell what's really useful.

Fantastic!!! I am so excited to see the first installment of this tutorial! Your explanation of the upper/under collar was spot-on too; I think a lot of times those new to drafting can find it a bit hard to understand why there are so many darn pieces to draft. ;) lol. Can't wait to see the next video!!!!

I discover your blog and love your project!! I put your blog on my Googler Reader's list and I'm going to explore the old posts. I linked to these explanations on my new blog http://galimamphigouric.canalblog.com . Thank you for the tips!!!

AMAZING, an answer to a prayer! THANK YOU so much. I now have a perfect Alice in Wonderland outfit for my granddaughter! The original animation dress does have a peter pan collar! I am a fan forever! Can't wait to go back and read through your blog and other "tutorials" !cheers!

Hi, quick question on seam allowances. Some of the patterns I've used (mostly Burda ones) say "Seam Allowance" not included, so I always add the seam allowance above/around the pattern piece (so make the piece bigger). You seem to have drawn yours in below, not making it any bigger - did the pattern say seam alloance included or not? I have had a several too big home made dresses, so if I got it wrong every time this would explain my mistake.